Square bale feeder attachment for flat-bed vehicles

ABSTRACT

A preferred embodiment of a bed assembly for flat bed trucks has a square bale retriever at the rear of the flat bed that includes a pair of lift arms adapted to grasp a bale by its opposite ends and lift it up off the ground and onto a transverse feeder located at the front of the bed. Once deposited on the feeder, a pusher engages one end of the bale and pushes the bale along the feeder to progressively advance successive flakes of the bale into a discharging position off the remote end of the feeder. The bale can thus be progressively distributed one flake at a time, the frequency of flake discharge being controlled by the operator in the cab of the truck. Alternative embodiments for pushers for engaging and advancing the bale toward the discharge point are disclosed. The feeder may be utilized separate from the bed assembly and includes a ramp that causes the bale to move up an incline during feeding operations.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to agricultural equipment and, moreparticularly, to apparatus for handling and feeding bales of hay tolivestock, especially large square bales that comprise a series ofrectangular flakes of compacted crop materials.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

[0002] Prior U.S. Pat. No. 4,564,325 owned by the assignee of thepresent invention is directed to a self-loading bed assembly forflat-bed trucks to adapt the truck to pick-up, transport, and then feedor off-load one or more big round bales. The actuating mechanism for thebale lifting arms of the device is located underneath the bed, and thelift arms are designed to slip down into recesses in the bed when thearms are in a stored position so that the arms are substantially flushwith the top surface of the bed. This leaves the bed unobstructed by thedevice and permits the bed to be used for all kinds of other projects.

[0003] Large square bales have become progressively more attractive tosmall farmers and ranchers in recent years for feeding to theirlivestock. However, it is economically unsound for many small farmersand ranchers to obtain single-purpose equipment devoted exclusively tohandling and feeding large square bales. Therefore, many have resortedto loading one or more of the bales onto the bed of a flat bed truck andthen feeding the bales by hand in the field, tearing the bales apartflake-by-flake and throwing them to the ground as another person drivesthe vehicle. Feeding from a truck that can also be used for many otherpurposes obviously has economic advantages for the small farmer andrancher, but it is difficult for one person to do the job effectively.

[0004] In one embodiment, the present invention comprises an extensionof the highly successful bale handling bed concepts disclosed andclaimed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,564,325. While the bed assembly of thatpatent was initially intended to have primary utility for round bales,it has now been discovered that many of its concepts are applicable tosquare bales as well. With certain modifications, the assembly can beadapted to permit the user to retrieve, transport and feed square bales,one flake at a time, without leaving the cab of the truck, except forcutting the twines that bind the bale. At the same time, the modifiedbed can still be used for the retrieval, feeding, and transport of roundbales. When not feeding or transporting bales, the largely exposed andunobstructed bed leaves the truck available for a myriad of other usesaround the ranch or farm.

[0005] In one embodiment of the invention, a square bale feeding bedassembly has a transverse feeder at the front end of the bed within thereach of the bale lift arms. Thus, the lift arms that swing down fromthe back end of the bed to retrieve a bale can be used to lift a squarebale from the ground and deposit it on the feeder for transport to thefeeding site. At the feeding site, the feeder is periodically engaged toadvance the square bale endwise toward one side of the bed, at whichpoint the individual flakes of the bale successively fall off the feederand onto the ground. Discharge of the flakes is aided by the use of adischarge station on the feeder that is at the receiving end of aconveyor for the bale and by a special separator associated with thatstation that underlies each flake as it is presented to the station andengages the bottom of the flake and projects it outwardly off the feederfor gravitation to the ground. Feeding is also aided by the fact thatthe feeder incorporates a ramp that is normally raised into an upwardlyinclined operating position for feeding purposes such that the bale isadvanced slightly up hill as it moves toward the discharge end of thefeeder. This arrangement is particularly beneficial in preventing morethan one flake from feeding at a time.

[0006] The feeder can be retro-fitted onto existing bed assembliesalready in the field and constructed in accordance with the teachings ofthe '325 patent. Alternatively, the feeder may comprise part of acompletely new bed assembly that may or may not utilize lift arms thatare flush-mounted as contemplated by the '325 patent. Further, thefeeder may be loaded by external means not part of the bed assembly, andmay be positioned in a variety of orientations for feeding in differentdirections. Additionally, the feeder has utility totally separate andapart from mobile vehicles and may be used at stationary sites, or onwagons and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007]FIG. 1 is a side elevational of a flat-bed vehicle incorporatingthe principles of the present invention;

[0008]FIG. 2 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 1 butillustrating the manner of use of the invention;

[0009]FIG. 3 is a top, rear isometric view of a bed assembly constructedin accordance with the principles of the present invention, parts beingbroken away to reveal details of construction;

[0010]FIG. 4 is a top, rear isometric view of the feeder alone showingthe ramp in its raised position, portions of the ramp being broken awayto reveal details of construction;

[0011]FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, right side front isometric view of thebed assembly showing the manner in which the bale-clamping tips of thelift arms are designed to be stowed neatly beneath the bed and thefeeder when the lift arms are in their stowed positions;

[0012]FIG. 6 is a fragmentary elevational view of one end of theconveyor mechanism associated with the feeder, the pusher component ofthe feeder being illustrated in a retracted and stowed position;

[0013]FIG. 7 is a fragmentary elevational view similar to FIG. 6 butillustrating the pusher partly deployed as the conveyor mechanismcommences operation;

[0014]FIG. 8 is another fragmentary side elevational view of theconveyor mechanism similar to FIGS. 6 and 7 but showing the pusher fullydeployed;

[0015]FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the feeder with its rampraised and a bale in position to be discharged by the feeder, partsbeing broken away to reveal details of construction;

[0016]FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the discharge end ofthe feeder illustrating the way in which each successive flake of thebale is separated from the bale and discharged to the ground;

[0017]FIG. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view similar toFIG. 10 but illustrating the separation and discharge process at aslightly later point in the process;

[0018]FIG. 12 is a fragmentary isometric view of the feeder illustratingdetails of construction of the pusher mounting arrangement;

[0019]FIG. 13 is a fragmentary, front isometric view of the dischargeend of the feeder with the discharge station thereof removed to revealdetails of construction of the separating fork at that location;

[0020]FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the electro-hydraulic system forcontrolling and operating the bed assembly and feeder thereof; and

[0021]FIG. 15 is a schematic, fragmentary, side elevational view of asecond embodiment of the pusher arrangement of the feeder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The present invention is susceptible of embodiment in manydifferent forms. While the drawings illustrate and the specificationdescribes certain preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to beunderstood that such disclosure is by way of example only. There is nointent to limit the principles of the present invention to theparticular disclosed embodiments.

[0023] Apparatus for handling and feeding big square bales in accordancewith the present invention broadly includes a flat-bed vehicle 10 and abale handling and feeding bed assembly 12 mounted on the chassis ofvehicle 10. In many respect, bed assembly 12 corresponds closely to thebed assembly as disclosed and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,564,325, thedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference into the presentspecification. Accordingly, reference may be had to the '325 patent fora complete understanding of the nature and operation of lift arms 14 and16 of a bale retriever 18 forming a part of bed assembly 12, and for afull and complete understanding of the operating mechanism for lift arms14 and 16.

[0024] Suffice it to say, therefore, that lift arms 14 and 16 aresecured to the rear end of bed 20 of bed assembly 12 for conjointswinging movement in a generally fore-and-aft direction as illustrated,for example, in FIG. 2. Arms 14 and 16 are thus swingable about atransverse axis across the rear end of bed 20. A lift cylinder 22 shownonly in FIG. 2 is operably coupled with arms 14 and 16 for carrying outthis function. Mechanism not shown is also provided to move arms 14 and16 toward and away from one another, preferably but not necessarily in aswinging motion about respective pivots 24 and 26 (FIG. 3) so that arms14 and 16 can be used to grasp an object such as a large square bale andapply a squeezing action thereto as the arms are then swung verticallybetween their various positions.

[0025] Opposite side edges of bed 20 are provided with fore-and-aftextending, generally transversely L-shaped recesses 28 and 30respectively that are configured to complementally receive arms 14 and16 in a flat, stowed position as illustrated in FIG. 3 and also FIG. 1.FIG. 5 illustrates one of the recesses 28 with the arm 14 partiallyswung out laterally to reveal configuration details of recess 28. Whenarms 14 and 16 are in their stowed positions, they are substantiallyflush with the top surface of bed 20 so as to provide a clear open andunobstructed expanse for the top surface 20 that is not interfered withby arms 14, 16 or any of the other mechanism associated with retriever18. When in their stowed positions, the upper surfaces of arms 14 and 16serve as additional lateral extensions of the top surface of bed 20.

[0026] In one preferred form of the invention, the arms 14, 16 areprovided with removable extensions 32 and 34 respectively thatspecifically adapt arms 14, 16 for handling a large square bale bysqueezing it from its opposite ends. It will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art, however, that extensions 32,34 are not absolutelynecessary, depending upon a number of factors, and in any event need notnecessarily correspond in configuration to the particular extensionsillustrated in the drawings. In the embodiment herein disclosed, eachextension 32,34 is provided with a pair of fore-and-aft spaced,laterally projecting prongs 36 and 38 that are offset a short distancebelow the longitudinal axis of each of the arms. Prongs 36 and 38 arethus in position to pass under bed 20 into a clearing relationshiptherewith when arms 14, 16 are in their stowed positions, all asillustrated and exemplified in FIGS. 3 and 5. It will be understood thatprong 36 is disposed for impaling the corresponding end of a large balegenerally at the center thereof as illustrated in FIG. 2 when aretrieving operation is in process, while the other prong 38 is disposedto butt up against the front face of the bale during the retrievalprocess. This keeps the bale under the firm control of arms 14 and 16 atall times during the retrieval process. If desired, extensions 32, 34can be made removably attachable to arms 14 and 16 such as through theuse of a sleeve-like construction and a selectively insertable andremovable locking pin 40 visible in FIGS. 3 and 5.

[0027] Bed assembly 12 also includes a square bale feeder broadlydenoted by the numeral 42. In a preferred embodiment, feeder 42 extendstransversely of the path of travel of vehicle 10 and of the longitudinalaxis of bed 20 and is positioned at the front end of bed 20 so as toleave a large open expanse of bed 20 that is not occupied by feeder 42.Feeder 42 could, however, be arranged to extend fore-and-aft, or in anyother direction. Preferably, feeder 42 is no wider than the width of abig square bale to be fed and may even be slightly narrower than suchbale. Because bed 20 is several times longer than the width of a typicallarge square bale, the open and obstructed expanse of bed 20 between therear extremity of feeder 42 and the rear end of bed 20 is substantial,leaving a large unobstructed surface area for hauling various itemsincluding, for example, other equipment during periods of non-use offeeder 42 and other bales during feeding or hauling operations. In itsmost preferred embodiment, feeder 42 is no longer than the width of bed20 so as to avoid projecting laterally outwardly beyond the oppositesides thereof. It will be noted also that feeder 42 is of relatively lowprofile, presenting no tall structures that could present overheadclearance problems during feeding operations and at other times as well.In the alternative, feeder 42 could be disposed in a recessed conditionso that the top surface of feeder 42 is substantially flush with the topsurface of bed 20.

[0028] In one preferred embodiment of the invention, feeder 42 isdesigned as a retro-fit attachment to an existing bed assembly such asthat disclosed in the '325 patent. Thus, although the disclosedembodiment contemplates feeder 42 as being detachably secured to bed 20,the feeder could comprise a more permanent part of an original equipmentbed assembly and thus be affixed to the bed or the chassis of thevehicle using means other than releasable fasteners.

[0029] As illustrated in several of the figures, feeder 42 includes abase 44 of generally rectangular configuration when viewed in plan andconsisting of a number of welded-together frame members that present anopen framework-type of construction for base 44. Base 44 has a pair ofmounting flanges 46 and 48 at opposite ends thereof that slightlyoverhang and project outwardly beyond the top surface of bed 20 andbeyond upright structural side members 50 and 52 of bed 20 asillustrated particularly in FIG. 9. Holes 54 in flanges 46, 48 (FIG. 4)are located outboard of side members 50, 52 for cooperating withsuitable fasteners 56 in securing base 44 to bed 20. In the illustratedembodiment fasteners 56 comprise bolt assemblies, each of which includesa sleeve 58 provided with a retaining hook 60 that fits under the bottomedge of the corresponding side member 50 or 52 to thus capture themember and securely retain base 24 in place when the bolt assembly istightened.

[0030] In addition to base 44, feeder 42 includes a ramp broadly denotedby the numeral 62. Ramp 62 is mounted on frame 44 for selectivepositioning in either a lowered horizontal position as illustrated, forexample, in FIGS. 1,2 and 3, or a raised, upwardly inclined, feedingposition illustrated for example in FIGS. 4, 9 and 13. Like frame 44,ramp 62 has a frame-like rectangular configuration as viewed in planconsisting of a number of structural members that are rigidlyinterconnected to provide a rigid overall structure. Ramp 62 is slightlylonger and wider than frame 44 and directly overlies the latter inregistered relationship therewith. A pair of mounting lugs 64 (only onebeing shown-see FIGS. 5 and 9) project downwardly from the non-dischargeend of ramp 42 into receiving relationship between respective pairs ofupstanding ears 66 on flange 48 of base 44. Pivot bolts 68 pivotallyinterconnect lugs 64 and ears 66 to render ramp 62 vertically swingableduring movement between its raised and lowered positions. A hydrauliccylinder 70 connected between a cross member 72 on base 44 and astructural member 74 on ramp 62 provides the power for effecting suchmanipulation of ramp 62.

[0031] Ramp 62 has three laterally spaced apart and longitudinallyextending rails 76,78 and 80 that underlie and slidingly support a baleduring feeding operations. In addition to rails 76-80, ramp 62 is alsoprovided with a central, tube-like member 82 located between rails 76and 78 that provides underlying support for the bale and also serves tohouse conveyor mechanism as described below. Although the areas betweenrails 76-80 and tube member 82 are illustrated in the drawings as beingopen spaces, such is for illustrative purposes only, as cover plateshave been removed to show details of construction. Such shields orplates overlie the open spaces while allowing the upper extremities ofrails 76, 78 and 80 and the upper extremity of tube member 82 to projectupwardly therefrom to slidingly engage the bottom of the bale. Anupstanding, relatively short front wall 84 on ramp 62 is spacedforwardly from rail 86 to serve as a guide wall along the front sideedge of ramp 62 to contain the bale. Front wall 84 also keeps the balefrom engaging or being interfered with by the upstanding “headache rack”86 immediately behind the cab of vehicle 10 and fixed to bed 20 as istypical of such truck beds. A horizontal panel or cover 88 extendsbetween the lower extremity of wall 84 and the rail 76 to cover theotherwise open space of ramp 62 at that location.

[0032] Ramp 62 is provided with conveying mechanism broadly denoted bythe numeral 90 for advancing a bale along the length of ramp 62 towardthe discharge end thereof which, in the illustrated embodiment, is theleft end of ramp 62 as viewed from the rear of the vehicle, suchdischarge end being the elevated end when ramp 62 is in its raisedposition. Among other things, conveying mechanism 90 includes an endlesschain 92 extending longitudinally of ramp 62 in association with tubemember 82. Chain 92 is entrained at its opposite ends around a pair ofsprockets 94 and 96 (see FIGS. 3 and 13 for sprocket 96) to presentupper and lower runs of the chain 92. The upper run of chain 92 passesthrough or above tubular member 82, while the lower run passes belowsuch member. A longitudinal slot 98 for a purpose yet-to-be described islocated along the top extremity of tubular member 82 in overlyingregistration with the top run of chain 92.

[0033] Conveying mechanism 90 also includes a generally T-shaped pusher100 secured to chain 92 for use in engaging the trailing or rear end ofa bale and thus pushing the bale toward the discharge end of ramp 62when conveyor chain 92 is actuated. In FIGS. 4 and 9, for example,pusher 100 is illustrated in an upstanding operating position which ismaintained by pusher 100 at all of its positions along the top of ramp62. However, pusher 100 is also selectively retractable down into astored and protected position during periods of non-use and loading of abale onto feeder 42.

[0034] In this respect, it will be noted from FIGS. 6-8 and 12 thatpusher 100 is attached to chain 92 via a mounting foot 102 at the bottomof the main body of pusher 100. Foot 102 is connected to a pair ofupstanding lugs 104 on chain 92 via a transverse pivot 106, thuspivotally securing pusher 100 to chain 92 for swinging movement relativethereto in a longitudinal, fore-and-aft direction. Slot 98 in tubemember 82 provides clearance for lugs 104 and foot 102 all along the toprun of chain 92. Rollers 106 on chain 92 (FIG. 12) are supported frombeneath by longitudinally extending angle bars 108 on the insidesurfaces of tube member 82 along the top run of chain 92.

[0035] When pusher 100 is in its upright operating position along thetop run of chain 92, a heel portion of foot 102 bears against chain 92at a point a short distance behind pivot 106, (as shown for example inFIG. 8) so that, although pusher 100 is pivotally secured to chain 92,pusher 100 cannot be pushed over backwards about pivot 106 duringengagement with a bale. However, pusher 100 is free to pivot forwardlyabout pivot 106; thus, when lugs 104 are positioned along the lower runof chain 92 as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, for example, pusher 100 isfree to swing forwardly and assume a horizontal, stowed position, aidedby a transverse guide bar 110 spaced below sprocket 94 in the path oftravel of pusher 100 as it moves around the corresponding end of ramp62. Thus, guide bar 110 guides and holds pusher 100 into its horizontalstowed position of FIG. 6 as chain 92 is driven in a generally clockwisedirection viewing that figure, and guide bar 110 maintains pusher 100 ina generally horizontally disposed condition until lugs 104 move pastguide bar 110 and up around sprocket 94 as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8when chain 92 is driven in a generally counterclockwise directionviewing those figures.

[0036] Conveying mechanism 90 further includes a reversible hydraulicmotor 112 (FIGS. 4 and 9) for operating chain 92. Hydraulic motor 112 issecured to the ramp 62 on the underside thereof and has an output shaft114 (FIG. 9) provided with a drive sprocket 116 maintained in drivingengagement with the lower run of chain 92. A pair of idler sprockets 118and 120 on opposite sides of drive sprocket 116 are mounted foradjustment toward and away from one another so as to provide a means ofkeeping chain 92 taut and in engagement with drive sprocket 116. Asnoted, chain 92 is looped over idler sprockets 118 and 120, while beinglooped under drive sprocket 116. Due to the fact that motor 112 ismounted on ramp 62 for movement therewith instead of on base 44, thelength of chain 92 does not change as ramp 62 is raised and lowered.

[0037] At the discharge end of ramp 62, a discharge station or platform122 is defined for receiving flakes of hay being advanced forwardly byconveying mechanism 90. Discharge platform 122 projects outwardly beyondthe discharge end of chain 92 and presents an upper flat surfacedisposed to underlie and receive the endmost, leading flake of hay in abale as illustrated by the flake 124 of bale 126 in FIG. 9. Afterextending generally horizontally for a distance to present the upperflat surface, platform 182 curves on down and around to present agenerally rounded outermost end face as an extension of the upper flatsurface.

[0038] To facilitate discharge of each flake from the platform 122, aseparator broadly denoted by the numeral 128 is provided in associationwith platform 122. Separator 128 comprises a fork 130 having a series ofprongs 132 that are adapted to engage the endmost flake 124 from thebottom while it overlies platform 122 and to then project the flakeoutwardly off platform 122 and onto the ground. Prongs 132 are designedto operate within slots 134 in platform 122 so as to project upwardlyinto engagement with the flake 124 at the beginning of a feed stroke,then sweep forwardly and outwardly through slots 134 as the flake isflung outwardly, and to then retract back through slots 134 and into aprotected position beneath platform 122 at the completion of theirstroke.

[0039] Fork 130 includes a common cross bar 136 (FIG. 13) to which allof the prongs 132 are secured. Cross bar 136 is rotatably supported atits opposite ends by a pair of cranks 138 and 140 that rotate throughcomplete 3600 operating cycles during actuation of separator 128. Crank138 is rotatably supported by an extension member 142 on the rear sideof ramp 62, while crank 140 is rotatably supported by an extensionmember 144 on the front side of ramp 62. In addition, crank 140 has aninput shaft 146 fixed thereto that is driven by a chain and sprocketassembly 148 also carried by the extension member 144. Chain andsprocket assembly 148 is operated by a hydraulic motor 150 on theextension member 144. A control arm 152 is fixed to cross bar 136 offork 130 but is pivotally attached to the frame structure of ramp 62 viaa link 154 (FIG. 9) so that prongs 132 are always maintained in anessentially upwardly projecting attitude throughout their full 360° oftravel about the axis of rotation of cranks 138 and 140. Thus, slots 134are useful in effectively stripping the prongs 132 out of the flakes asthe prongs move through their penetrating, feeding and retractingmotions. This type of action is illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 9, 10and 11.

[0040]FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of an electro-hydraulic controlsystem for feeder 42. A separate control system, not illustrated herein,is provided on the vehicle 10 for operating the bale retriever 18. Asshown in FIG. 14, the items designated broadly by the numeral 156comprise components normally associated with a standard hydraulic supplysystem on a farm vehicle such as the vehicle 10. On the other hand,components designated broadly by the numeral 158 comprise componentsthat are associated with feeder 42 and that are operably coupled withthe vehicle-mounted supply system 156.

[0041] Supply system 156 includes a pump 160 driven by an output shaft162 from the engine of vehicle 10. Pump 160 is operable to receivehydraulic fluid from a reservoir 164 for delivery under pressure to thecomponents 158, depending upon the position of a three-position,manually actuated selector valve 166. Depending upon the position of acontrol handle 168, selector valve 166 maybe in a supply position asillustrated in FIG. 14, a standby position shifted somewhat rightwardlyfrom the illustrated position, or a reverse position shifted fullyrightward from the FIG. 14 position.

[0042] In the illustrated supply position, selector valve 166 isoperable to supply oil under pressure from reservoir 164 to the rampcylinder 70, the pusher motor 112 and the flake separator motor 150depending upon the positions of respective solenoid valves 170, 172 and174 for those components. Oil from pump 160 is simultaneously availableto all three solenoid valves 170-174 via hydraulic lines 176, 178 and180, but if the valves are in their neutral positions as illustrated inFIG. 14, the oil merely circulates back to reservoir 164 via returnlines 182, 184 and 186. A single pole double-throw switch 188 for rampcylinder 70 is electrically connected to solenoid valve 170 forcontrolling the position thereof. When the switch element 190 is movedfrom its neutral position shown in FIG. 14 into engagement with acontact 192, an electrical circuit is completed along lead 194 to shiftvalve 170 leftwardly from its FIG. 14 position, thus establishingcommunication between supply line 176 and a line 196 to ramp cylinder 70to extend the latter. Oil forced out of cylinder 70 during suchextension communicates with return line 182 via a line 198. On the otherhand, when switch element 190 is moved into engagement with a contact200 thereof, a circuit is established via a lead 202 to shift solenoidvalve 170 rightwardly from its FIG. 14 position. This communicates line198 of ramp cylinder 70 with supply line 176, causing cylinder 70 toretract. Line 196 thus communicates with return line 182 to provide ameans for fluid exhausting from cylinder 70 to be returned to reservoir164.

[0043] Another single pole double throw switch 204 is utilized tocontrol solenoid valve 172 for pusher motor 112. When the switch element206 of switch 204 is moved out of its neutral position of FIG. 14 andinto engagement with a contact 208, a circuit path is established via alead 210 that shifts solenoid 172 leftwardly from its neutral positionof FIG. 14 to communicate supply line 178 with a line 212 leading topusher motor 112. This drives pusher motor 112 in a “forward” directionas oil is exhausted therefrom via a line 214 that establishescommunication with a return line 184. On the other hand, when switchelement 206 is moved into engagement with contact 216 of switch 206, adifferent circuit path is established via a lead 218 to shift solenoidvalve 172 rightwardly from its neutral position of FIG. 14 so as tobring supply line 178 into communication with line 214 and return line184 into communication with line 212. This causes pusher motor 112 torotate in a “reverse” direction. Like solenoid 170, valve 172 isyieldably biased toward the neutral position.

[0044] Solenoid valve 174 for separator motor 150 is a two-positionvalve, as contrasted to the three-position solenoid valves 170 and 172.A single pole double throw switch 220 controls valve 174 and, in onepreferred embodiment, is arranged to also provide a way of actuatingpusher motor 112 in the forward direction as an alternative to theperformance of that function by switch 204. When switch element 222 ismoved into engagement with a contact 224 of switch 220, an electricalcircuit is established via a lead 226 to cause valve 174 to shiftrightwardly from its neutral position of FIG. 14. This communicatessupply line 180 with line 228, causing separator motor 150 to be drivenin the proper direction, during which time oil is exhausted to returnline 186 via a line 230 from motor 150. When valve 174 is in its neutralposition, oil is free to circulate in a closed loop through line 228,motor 150, line 230, and valve 174 so fork 130 can return by gravity toa retracted position.

[0045] If the operator so desires, he may operate pusher motor 112 inthe forward mode using switch 220 by moving switch element 222 intoengagement with a contact 231 of switch 22. This establishes a circuitpath to solenoid 172 via a lead 232 and lead 210, causing solenoid 172to be shifted leftwardly from its neutral position to drive pusher motor112 in the forward direction. Solenoid 174 is yieldably biased to itsneutral position of FIG. 14.

[0046] Operation

[0047] In use, the vehicle 10 and bed assembly 12 are available forgeneral utility purposes around the ranch or farm when lift arms 14, 16are stowed and feeder 42 is in its lowered position, both of suchconditions being illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, for example. The largeuncluttered area on top of bed 20 immediately behind feeder 42 providesample space for hauling and transporting various items, and also rendersthe vehicle suitable for general transportation services, including cityand highway travel.

[0048] To pick up, transport and feed a big square bale, lift arms 14,16 are first spread from their stowed positions of FIG. 3 until prongs36 and 38 clear bed 20. Of course, if extensions 34 are not alreadyinstalled on arms 14, 16, the arms simply need to be raised up out oftheir stowed positions, but then extensions 32 and 34 will need to beinstalled on the outer gripping ends of the arms before proceedingfurther.

[0049] Assuming for the sake of this discussion, however, thatextensions 32 and 34 are already on arms 14 and 16, after the arms havebeen spread apart to withdraw prongs 36 and 38, they are swung upwardlyand rearwardly into the rearwardly projecting, bale retrieving positionof FIG. 2. With the arms still spread apart, the vehicle 10 is backedtoward the bale, here denoted by the numeral 234, with the balepositioned crosswise to the path of travel of the vehicle. Once therearmost tips of arms 14, 16 are generally aligned with opposite ends ofbale 234, arms 14, 16 may be swung toward one another to engage, squeezeand grip bale 234 by its opposite ends. Prongs 36 penetrate the ends ofbale 234 at this time, while prongs 34 come into abutment against thefront face of bale 234.

[0050] Thereupon, arms 14, 16 are actuated to lift bale 234 off theground and up and over bed 20 through an arc of approximately 180°,inverting the bale and placing it on feeder 42. Preferably, ramp 62 isin its lowered position at this time to facilitate reception of thebale. If desired, a second bale designated by the numeral 236 and shownin phantom in FIG. 2 may also be retrieved and then carried against theprevious bale on feeder 42 by arms 16 for transport to the feeding site.If no second bale is to be transported, arms 14, 16 are simply returnedto their stowed positions after disengaging themselves from the bale onfeeder 42.

[0051] During transport of the bale to the feeding site, it has beenfound advantageous to have pusher 100 positioned against the normallytrailing end of the bale and to raise the ramp 62 into its operatingposition so that a condition substantially illustrated in FIG. 9 ispresented. This helps stabilize the bale for transport.

[0052] After reaching the feeding site, the operator need only leave thecab so long as is necessary to clip and remove the strands of twine fromaround the bale. Pusher 100 is then actuated to shove bale 126 endwiseuntil the leading flake 124 overlies discharge platform 122 asillustrated in FIG. 9. Stopping pusher 100 and energizing fork 130 thencauses tines 132 to move up against and into the bottom of flake 124,and to then flip the flake outwardly off platform 122 as illustrated inFIG. 10. As fork 130 continues on around, tines 132 are retractedbeneath platform 122 to be stripped out of flake 124 for discharge ontothe ground. Actuation of fork 130 may then be terminated, or it may beallowed to continue cycling, although no further flakes will bedischarged until the next leading flake 238 has been brought intoposition on platform 122 by pusher 100. Depending upon the number offlakes to be fed at any one location, the operator may choose to operatepusher 100 and fork 130 almost simultaneously, although in mostinstances it is likely that those two mechanisms will be operatingsequentially of one another.

[0053] Tilting the bale so that it is fed “up hill” by pusher 100 helpsassure that only one flake at a time is discharged from the feeder.Gravity helps keep the leading flake in the series in place against thenext trailing flake such that a flake is discharged only when the forceof gravity is overcome by the separating fork 130. Thus, the operatorcan fairly accurately control the amount of hay that is beingdistributed and its frequency.

[0054] Although the invention has been described above based upon theassumption that the feeder 42 will extend across the bed 20 and that abale will be grasped by its opposite ends, it is within the principlesof the present invention to have feeder 42 arranged fore-and-aft (or inany other direction) and to have retriever 18 correspondingly oriented.If feeder 42 is disposed to extend in a fore-and-aft direction and liftarms 14, 16 remain swingable fore-and-aft during retrieval operations,it is possible to approach a ground-supported bale by one of its ends.In that circumstance, arms 14, 16 would grasp the bale by its oppositesides, swing the bale overhead, and then place it on the feedergenerally parallel to the path of travel of the vehicle. The bale couldthen be fed off the rear end of the vehicle.

[0055] Further, it is within the principles of the present invention forfeeder 42 to be used by itself at a stationary work site and not as partof a mobile vehicle. Or, it may be mounted on a trailer, or wagon, orother vehicle that is not self-loading.

[0056] Alternative Embodiment

[0057]FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the conveyingmechanism for advancing the bale toward the discharge end of the feeder.In this embodiment conveying mechanism 300 includes a slider 302 that isslidably received on a transverse guide tube 304 extending the fulllength of the feeder. Slider 302 is moved back and forth along guidetube 304 by a chain 306 anchored to opposite ends of slider 302 andlooped about sprockets 308 and 310 at opposite ends of tube 304.Crossbars 312 and 314 located slightly inboard of sprockets 304 and 310serve as limit stops for slider 302 at opposite ends of its path oftravel. Chain 306 is operably coupled with a hydraulic motor (not shown)in the same location as pusher motor 112 for the first embodiment.

[0058] Mechanism 300 further includes a generally L-shaped pusher 316having a generally upwardly projecting back piece 318 and a base 320 atthe lower end of back piece 318. Base 320 is pivotally attached to thetrailing extremity of slider 302 by a transverse pivot 322 so thatpusher 316 is free to pivot between the two extreme positionsillustrated at opposite ends of the feeder. Base 320 has a downwardlyprojecting foot 324 at its forward end.

[0059] When pusher 316 is somewhere between the opposite ends of itspath of travel as illustrated in one of the phantom conditions of FIG.15, the trailing portion of base 320 rides upon chain 306 to hold pusher316 against rocking back into its rearwardly inclined position which itassumes at the non-discharge end of the feeder. At the discharge end ofthe feeder, however, a transverse cam bar 326 is disposed in the path oftravel of foot 324 so as to rock pusher 316 forwardly into a forwardlytilted attitude as slider 302 approaches and comes into engagement withcross bar 312. When chain 306 is reversed so that pusher 316 travelsback toward its home position at the non-discharge end of the feeder,pusher 316 will probably remain in its forwardly tilted position untilfoot 324 engages cross bar 314, which causes pusher 316 to rock in aclockwise position into its rearwardly inclined position. Inasmuch aschain 306 curves around sprocket 320 and thus moves downwardly and awayfrom base 320 at the non-discharge end of the feeder, pusher 316 is freeto rock back in the indicated manner at that location.

[0060] It is contemplated that when no bale is present on the feeder,pusher 316 will be stored in its upright position. Then, when a bale isto be loaded, pusher 316 is swung out to its rearwardly inclinedposition to avoid any interference with the bale and the lift armsduring bale loading on the feeder. Thereupon, chain 306 is actuated inthe forward direction, causing pusher 316 to move toward the dischargeend of the feeder and into pushing engagement with the trailing end ofthe bale. Feeding of the bale then continues in the usual manner untilthe last flake remains to be fed, whereupon pusher 316 may be advancedone last increment of travel to cause it to tip forward and dischargethe final flake.

[0061] Although preferred forms of the invention have been describedabove, it is to be recognized that such disclosure is by way ofillustration only, and should not be utilized in a limiting sense ininterpreting the scope of the present invention. Obvious modificationsto the exemplary embodiments, as hereinabove set forth, could be readilymade by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit ofthe present invention.

[0062] The inventor(s) hereby state(s) his/their intent to rely on theDoctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the reasonably fairscope of his/their invention as pertains to any apparatus not materiallydeparting from but outside the literal scope of the invention as set outin the following claims.

1. Self-loading apparatus for use in feeding to livestock large squarebales containing a series of successive, compacted flakes of cropmaterials, said apparatus comprising: a mobile vehicle having a bed; abale feeder supported on said bed; and a bale retriever mounted on thebed and including a pair of laterally spaced lift arms movable towardand away from one another for gripping a bale therebetween, said armsbeing operable in unison for retrieving a gripped bale from the groundand depositing the bale on the feeder, said feeder including conveyormechanism adapted for advancing a deposited bale toward a discharge endof the feeder.
 2. Self-loading apparatus as claimed in claim 1, said bedbeing provided with front and rear ends with respect to the path oftravel of the vehicle, said feeder extending transversely across saidbed adjacent said front end, said lift arms being located at said rearend and projecting rearwardly therefrom during bale retrieval. 3.Self-loading apparatus as claimed in claim 2, said bed having a pair ofrecesses for selectively receiving the arms in stowed positions in whichthe arms are generally flush with a top surface of the bed. 4.Self-loading apparatus as claimed in claim 3, said arms each having atleast one inwardly projecting, bale-engaging prong adjacent an outer endthereof remote from said transverse axis, said prongs being disposed tofit beneath said top surface of the bed when the arms are receivedwithin said recesses.
 5. Self-loading apparatus as claimed in claim 1,said feeder having a discharge station in position for receiving andsupporting successive flakes from said conveyor mechanism, saiddischarge station being provided with a separating device operable toengage flakes from beneath and project them off the station. 6.Self-loading apparatus as claimed in claim 5, said conveyor mechanismand said separating device being actuatable and deactuatableindependently of one another.
 7. Self-loading apparatus as claimed inclaim 6, said separating device including a retracting fork movablethrough a path of travel in which tines of the fork project upwardlythrough slots in the station, sweep outwardly along the slots away fromthe conveyor mechanism, and then retract below the station. 8.Self-loading apparatus as claimed in claim 1, said conveyor mechanismincluding a pusher disposed to project upwardly into position behind andin pushing engagement with the most trailing flake in the bale foradvancing the bale.
 9. Self-loading apparatus as claimed in claim 8,said pusher being mounted for retraction out of said upwardly projectingposition.
 10. Self-loading apparatus as claimed in claim 1, said feederincluding a ramp disposed to support the bale on an upward incline asthe bale is advanced toward said discharge end of the feeder, saidconveyor mechanism being on said ramp.
 11. Self-loading apparatus asclaimed in claim 10, said conveyor mechanism including an upright pusherdisposed to move from one end to the opposite end of said ramp. 12.Self-loading apparatus as claimed in claim 10, said feeder having adischarge station in position for receiving and supporting successiveflakes from said conveyor mechanism, said discharge station beingprovided with a separating device operable to engage flakes from beneathand project them off the station.
 13. Self-loading apparatus as claimedin claim 12, said separating device including a retracting fork movablethrough a path of travel in which tines of the fork project upwardlythrough slots in the station, sweep outwardly along the slots away fromthe conveyor mechanism, and then retract below the station. 14.Self-loading apparatus as claimed in claim 13, said conveyor mechanismand said separating device being actuatable and deactuatableindependently of one another.
 15. Self-loading apparatus as claimed inclaim 10, said ramp being selectively lowerable into a generallyhorizontal position.
 16. A feeder for square bales containing a seriesof successive, compacted flakes of crop material, said feedercomprising: a ramp having a raised discharge end; and conveyor mechanismon the ramp for advancing a bale up the ramp toward said discharge endof the ramp.
 17. A feeder as claimed in claim 16, said ramp having adischarge station at said discharge end thereof in position forreceiving and supporting successive flakes of the bale from saidconveyor mechanism, said ramp further having a separating deviceassociated with said station that is operable to engage flakes frombeneath and project them off the station.
 18. A feeder as claimed inclaim 17, said conveyor mechanism and said separating device beingactuatable and deactuatable independently of one another.
 19. A feederas claimed in claim 17, said separating device including a retractingfork movable through a path of travel in which tines of the fork projectupwardly through slots in the station, sweep outwardly along the slotsaway from the conveyor mechanism, and then retract below the station.20. A feeder as claimed in claim 16, said conveyor mechanism including apusher disposed to project upwardly into position behind and in pushingengagement with the most trailing flake in the bale for advancing thebale.
 21. A feeder as claimed in claim 16, said ramp being selectivelylowerable into a generally horizontal position.
 22. A feeder as claimedin claim 16, further including fasteners for attaching the feeder to abed of a vehicle.
 23. A bale-handling bed assembly for mounting on avehicle chassis, said assembly comprising: a bed; a bale feedersupported on said bed; and a bale retriever mounted on the bed andincluding a pair of laterally spaced lift arms movable toward and awayfrom one another for gripping a bale therebetween, said arms beingoperable in unison for retrieving a gripped bale from the ground anddepositing the bale on the feeder, said feeder including conveyormechanism adapted for advancing a deposited bale toward a discharge endof the feeder.
 24. An assembly as claimed in claim 23, said bed beingprovided with front and rear ends, said feeder extending transverselyacross said bed adjacent said front end, said lift arms being located atsaid rear end and projecting rearwardly therefrom during bale retrieval.25. An assembly as claimed in claim 24, said bed having a pair ofrecesses for selectively receiving the arms in stowed positions in whichthe arms are generally flush with a top surface of the bed.
 26. Anassembly as claimed in claim 25, said arms each having at least oneinwardly projecting, bale-engaging prong adjacent an outer end thereofremote from said transverse axis, said prongs being disposed to fitbeneath said top surface of the bed when the arms are received withinsaid recesses.
 27. An assembly as claimed in claim 23, said feederhaving a discharge station in position for receiving and supportingsuccessive flakes from said conveyor mechanism, said discharge stationbeing provided with a separating device operable to engage flakes frombeneath and project them off the station.
 28. An assembly as claimed inclaim 27, said conveyor mechanism and said separating device beingactuatable and deactuatable independently of one another.
 29. Anassembly as claimed in claim 28, said separating device including aretracting fork movable through a path of travel in which tines of thefork project upwardly through slots in the station, sweep outwardlyalong the slots away from the conveyor mechanism, and then retract belowthe station.
 30. An assembly as claimed in claim 23, said conveyormechanism including a pusher disposed to project upwardly into positionbehind and in pushing engagement with the most trailing flake in thebale for advancing the bale.
 31. An assembly as claimed in claim 30,said pusher being mounted for retraction out of said upwardly projectingposition.
 32. An assembly as claimed in claim 23, said feeder includinga ramp disposed to support the bale on an upward incline as the bale isadvanced toward said discharge end of the feeder, said conveyormechanism being on said ramp.
 33. An assembly as claimed in claim 32,said conveyor mechanism including an upright pusher disposed to movefrom one end to the opposite end of said ramp.